Read The House by the Liffey Online
Authors: Niki Phillips
Cathy had done the one thing guaranteed to arouse Harry's interest in her and that was diametrically opposed to what she had intended. She had a boyfriend to whom she was engaged. They didn't make this public. They couldn't afford to get married just yet and both were saving as hard as they could to collect the down payment for a small house. Cathy's job with accommodation attached was ideal, for it meant money wasn't being wasted on rent. Sam Dwyer was a petroleum geologist and his current job was abroad, with a prospecting company in South America, where he was being very well paid and had an allowance for living expenses. Even if they had been married, Cathy couldn't have gone with him, for the area where he was working wouldn't have been suitable for women.
At the time of her interview for the job at Riverside Cathy had not been engaged. She was very much in love with Sam and had hoped he would ask her to marry him, but there had been no indication that he wanted a long-term commitment. Just a few weeks previously, before he left for Columbia, he had proposed and they agreed at that point not to have an official engagement. He was on a two-year contract, so Johnny would be heading for five years old by the time he came home again, almost old enough to start at kindergarten and, as the only child in the house, he needed to mix more with other children.
She salved her conscience with that thought. She was also quite certain that, any time she left, Sarah would immediately step in and offer to act as a substitute mother. This would be an ideal arrangement and, she knew, would be accepted as such by everyone concerned, but most especially by Harry. Not only were Sarah and Johnny devoted to each other, but furthermore there was no sign of Sarah becoming pregnant. She and Cathy were good friends and she had confided her disappointment at not having a child of her own. Of course she mustn't make assumptions or count chickens, but it should all work out beautifully, without Johnny feeling in any way abandoned.
* * * * *
So far as anyone else in the household was concerned, nothing had changed. To Harry's disappointment, Cathy returned to her duties caring for Johnny looking exactly as before. He resumed his visits to the nursery but no more frequently and Cathy reported to him as usual, observing all the previous formalities. She gave not the slightest indication of their having spent such an enjoyable evening together.
This annoyed him even more. Well if that's the way she wants to play it, he thought to himself, then so be it. In any case he had no intention of embarking on a new relationship with anyone for the foreseeable future. He had plenty to keep him occupied and interested, without all that. Nevertheless, whenever he saw her, he didn't see the frumpy shapeless creature she dressed herself up to look like, but the lovely girl he had seen that evening in her apartment. His interest in her didn't diminish; it grew until it became almost an obsession, but he still managed to hide his feelings. For the moment he must content himself with at least being able to see her daily, even if she kept herself so remote and so formal.
For her part Cathy was honest enough to admit to herself that she did find Harry a very attractive man, but her love for Sam never faltered. She waited for him to come home mustering every ounce of patience she could manage. Nevertheless, she looked forward to her contacts with Harry, and, she argued to herself, there was nothing wrong with that.
This state of affairs continued for some months. The only person who sensed something was eating Harry was his mother. She wondered if it was some woman but, unusually for her, didn't get anywhere near the truth. She didn't know for certain that he wasn't seeing anyone, although she thought not. So what was it? She watched him covertly.
The following January Milo and Noola decided to hold a New Year Ball. Since Bill's tragic death, naturally enough there hadn't been any sort of family celebration and they felt it was time to end the period of mourning by doing something that would involve the whole family and which, they hoped, would give pleasure and cheer everyone up. As always, by family tradition, members of Riverside staff were invited, with caterers and other temporary helpers brought in to release them from their duties.
Much to his delight, Jockser was included in the invitations. He couldn't quite believe this and was shy about accepting, worrying about what he would wear and all sorts of other imagined difficulties. Since joining the household after Izzy's abduction, Mickeen and Kitty had taken him under their collective wing and he had blossomed socially, proving to be anything but the “eleven pence halfpenny in the shilling” suggested when they had first met him. A small flatlet created for his use at the end of the stable block had also made a huge difference to his way of life. He took a great pride in keeping it neat and tidy and no longer felt the need to wander. If ever this urge arose he would simply go and sleep in the hayloft above the stables. Now, with the encouragement of the Flanagans, he accepted the invitation and, as it turned out, had the most enjoyable evening that he could remember in the whole of his life.
Cathy's invitation included a partner. Completely unexpectedly, and to her great delight, Sam had managed to get a couple of weeks' leave to come home for Christmas. His fare was paid for by a grateful employer, highly delighted with the success, so far, of the oil-drilling operations. She would be able to bring him as her partner to the ball and she was over the moon. She decided to splash out on a very special evening dress, and blow the tight budget she had stuck to in the interests of saving. She knew the Butlers would all look really elegant and she wanted Sam to be proud of her.
She decided to change at her sister's and arrive at Riverside with Sam, as a couple, rather than have him arrive alone to meet her there. When they got to the house the door was opened to them and they stepped into the superbly decorated hallway where the family had gathered to greet the guests. A fire was burning in the enormous fireplace at one end, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere for the arriving guests. As they crossed the thickly carpeted floor, Noola and Milo turned to welcome them and, just like Harry on that June evening, for a few seconds they didn't recognise Cathy. They too were rendered speechless. It was reminiscent of the Cinderella story, a real cliché, the rather dull-looking nurse had been transformed into a veritable princess. She was wearing a beautiful, and obviously horribly expensive, delicate lavender-coloured evening dress. It set off her own colouring to perfection, most especially her eyes, which picked up the colour of the dress. But she didn't have to wait to meet her handsome prince; he was right there by her side, quite tall, fair-haired, slim and very good-looking. The word “Adonis” sprang unbidden into Noola's mind. What a remarkable looking couple, she thought, which echoed what was crossing Milo's mind. As they welcomed the two of them and Sam was introduced, Harry turned around and, before he had time to wipe it off, Noola caught the fleeting look on his face when he saw Cathy. She also saw the envious and almost venomous look he shot at Sam, but knew it was unlikely anyone else but her would have noticed. However, when introduced he was his usual charming self.
So
that's
what the trouble is, Noola thought. Well I'm blessed. But when did he ever see her dressed other than in those frightful drab clothes, she wondered. Surely he could never have found her attractive dressed like that. Oh, Harry, is it retribution at last? I thought it had to come and it's justice, but you're my son and I can find it in my heart to feel quite sorry for you. Unrequited love is a dreadfully painful thing and I should know, having loved your father for years when he hardly realised I existed.
It was a most successful evening. Harry hadn't invited a partner, but had suggested to Izzy, also without an escort, that they should partner each other, something she readily agreed to. Making sure she was not too obvious about it, his mother watched him and silently congratulated him on his strict observance of the courtesies to all their guests. He laughed and joked with everyone, he danced with many different people including members of the staff and to an extent was the life and soul of the party. He even persuaded Sarah to have a turn around the floor with him, accepting no excuse about her leg and, in the event, she managed very well. There was no hint to anyone as to where his heart lay and how devastated he must be feeling to see Cathy so totally absorbed with another man. Noola was convinced that even Cathy herself couldn't possibly have thought he had any particular interest in her, but in any case she was much too taken up with Sam to notice much about anyone else. The girl was obviously completely smitten and, looking at Sam, Noola couldn't blame her. The Butlers weren't the only stunning men in town.
She worked her way over to Milo and took his hand.
âWell, my gorgeous husband, how about asking your favourite woman for a dance?'
They wrapped their arms around each other, and Noola decided to mention her suspicions to Milo.
âWell if you'd told me yesterday that you had such an idea I would have said your imagination was working overtime. Now I think it could be possible, but has he ever seen her looking like this before? If not I don't see how it could have happened, knowing our Harry.'
âHe must have but we never heard about it. Very curious!'
Towards the end of the evening, but well before the last dance, Harry danced with Izzy and then steered her over to where Sarah and Dai were talking to a very animated Cathy and Sam. Using every ounce of charm he spoke to the visitors.
âWould Miss Cathy O'Donovan be willing to dance with me and would Mr Sam Dwyer mind if I took her away from him for a turn around the floor?'
Accustomed to being the most handsome man in the room, Sam recognised a rival when he saw one. He had to admit to himself that Harry Butler, being tall, dark and very handsome and with those intensely green eyes, was a remarkably attractive man. However, he had no doubts whatsoever as to where Cathy's affections were rooted and, anyhow, he didn't have any choice but to agree to Harry's request.
Harry took her in his arms for a slow foxtrot and wondered if she could hear his heart beating so fast. He had waited all evening for this moment and felt as if he was shaking. He looked down at her and smiled. She smiled back and his heart raced even harder.
âIf I may pay you a compliment, I think you look incredibly beautiful. I had begun to wonder if I had imagined that girl I spent such an enjoyable evening with last summer.'
âThank you. You look very handsome yourself. The girl of last summer had to return to duty and go back to a strictly professional relationship with her employer. Anything else would have made it impossible for her to continue working here.'
âOh! I see.'
He then did something he had never imagined in his wildest dreams that he would do. Afterwards he realised that he had behaved like a gauche, lovesick youngster, blurting out his feelings with none of his usual suave restraint. Where had Harry, the smooth operator, got to?
âCathy, I love you. Will you marry me?'
She was taken completely off guard. That was the last thing she was expecting and she had to pause to collect her thoughts before replying.
âWell, Harry, that's such a huge compliment â the greatest compliment any man can pay a woman, but I'm afraid I must refuse your lovely offer. You see I love Sam. We're unofficially engaged and hope to marry as soon as we've saved enough for the down payment on a house. That could be a couple more years yet.'
He tried so hard not to show his bitter disappointment: had he been a woman he thought he would have wept. He could almost feel his heart breaking. Noola saw some of the joy disappear from his face and wondered what had taken place between them.
âIf you hadn't met Sam, do you think I might have had a chance?'
âI love you, Harry, just like I honestly love all the Butlers. You're an amazing family and I've been so happy here. But I'm not
in
love with you. My feelings are more like those I'd have for a brother. I'm in love with Sam. If this makes it difficult for you to have me in the house, then I must leave.'
âOh no! Please don't do that. Johnny would be heartbroken and he's already had so much upheaval in his short life. I must put his needs first. If anyone goes away it should be me. I'll work out a plan, for I can't possibly stay and cause you embarrassment.'
âThat would also cause heartbreak for Johnny. No. I'm sure we're both capable of returning to our strictly formal relationship in the interests of your little son.'
âFair enough. Thanks, Cathy, but do you think you could improve on the drab appearance?'
She laughed delightedly.
âI think I could manage that, Harry.'
The music came to an end at that moment and they rejoined the others. Harry was devastated but later it occurred to him that, since he clearly hadn't frightened her off with his gaucherie, there was still hope and he refused to give up. The one advantage he had over Sam was that he was on the spot, while Sam was soon going far away again.
Following the drama of Johnny being introduced into the household, there was someone who thought considerable financial advantage could be taken of Harry's philandering activities and various liaisons with the opposite sex. He decided to bide his time, however, and not rush in too quickly after Johnny had been accepted as Harry's child, in case it would be seen for exactly as it was: opportunist cashing-in on someone's now proven reputation as a womaniser.
Tim Kelly had been taken on as a member of the grounds staff just two years previously and a year ago Breeda, his niece of fourteen had, at his instigation, been offered light weekend duties in the house to help her to make a bit of pocket money. Daughter of his widowed sister, Aine, she was a pretty girl. She was also quiet and a competent worker and made no ripples in the household. She had left just after Christmas, at the suggestion of her uncle, this being part of a very carefully worked out strategy. Then Tim himself had left in the New Year.
He had kept careful watch and methodically recorded his observations of Harry's comings and goings. He took every opportunity to make sure Harry's reputation was not just maintained but grew, and to this purpose he was quite prepared to make up juicy stories if necessary, albeit without a shred of evidence to back them up. It was now February following the New Year Ball and over eighteen months since Johnny had arrived at Riverside. Tim decided to make his move. With the full connivance of her mother, who saw that there could be a lot to gain financially, he had coached Breeda carefully throughout her time in the household and felt they couldn't fail in a bid to make a lot of money out of their employers. He engaged a solicitor and a letter was sent to Harry accusing him of having seduced Breeda which, given her age, constituted statutory rape.
The case would be taken to court. Of course Harry could settle out of court but the implication was clear to anyone that he would be expected to pay punitive damages for the whole nasty case to be kept quiet. It was blackmail. Once he had recovered from the initial shock, Harry was outraged at such a suggestion and had no intention of agreeing to the disgraceful proposal. He took the whole matter straight to his parents. They were equally outraged.
âWell, Harry, there are some things you could be accused of and which I wouldn't dispute, but seduction of a minor is not one. I really can't see you stooping to that.'
âThank God for that, Dad. I certainly would never think of doing such a despicable thing. I'm going to fight it all the way and, if necessary, right into court.'
âGood, for if you decided to pay up, that, in itself, would be seen as an admission of guilt.'
âTrue! But I suppose there are some who would do that rather than have a public court case, which, even if their innocence is proved, leaves a nasty taste.'
âRight. We'll get the best solicitors in the country.'
âI know that my behaviour in the past has brought this on me. I just deeply regret that the family has to get tangled up in it too. I'll do my best to confine the unpleasantness to myself.'
âSometimes being wealthy can be a heavy burden. I had hoped the ghastly incident when Izzy was abducted would be the end of it but here we go again â people trying to extort money from us.'
âI'm
so
sorry, Mum.'
âHarry, I'm convinced that with people like these they would have tried something on even if you'd lived the life of a monk. We'll all stand by you.'
He was almost in tears.
âThank you both. That support is going to mean so much to me over the next few weeks or even months. If somehow they manage to give convincing evidence, I could be sent to prison for a period. I'm certain, if there's any shred of doubt, the girl's word would be taken against mine.'
Afterwards Noola and Milo were talking about this unpleasant and completely unexpected turn of events.
âIs there to be no respite for us, Noola? First Izzy and Mageen, then Sarah and Bill, not to mention Tommy. Then Harry's child and now this. Do you think we're cursed in some way?'
âI think nothing of the kind, Milo. You're understandably depressed at the moment. Izzy is now a very strong person because of what she went through and is a highly successful and internationally recognised pianist. Mageen is so happily married and settled with her two boys and little girl and that came out of what happened to Izzy. Sarah has made a remarkable recovery. Her limp is barely perceptible and I'm convinced in time may disappear altogether. It's amazing what they can do these days.'
âTrue, and, come to think of it, Tommy couldn't be happier.'
âYes! Then Bill. Well, he died looking out for other people: typical of our wonderful son. I think we've many reasons to be proud of our children and, except for Bill, to be thankful for the way things have turned out. All right, Harry had an illegitimate child but look at the joy Johnny is to us all. Like you, I don't believe for a second that he would have done such a thing. He's always been able to have his pick of the girls. With the notable exception of Cathy, they've thrown themselves at him. He would
never
have needed to chase after a little fourteen-year-old who was helping in the house.'
âThat's true.'
âI'm so glad that you're standing by him, Milo. He's going to need our support in the biggest way possible.'
âOf course I'll stand by him! I remember when a serious accusation was made against me and my father didn't stand by me. I can still feel the acute heartbreak of knowing he thought I'd lied to him.'
âI do remember, darling, but that worked out too.'
âYou are a remarkable woman, Noola. Whatever would I do without you? Somehow you always manage to pull the positive out of any situation.'
âOf course. Otherwise I'd go mad â maybe even become a depressive.'
âWell it'll be interesting to see what they produce as evidence. They must think they've something pretty convincing.'
* * * * *
The story was that one evening Harry had been on his own in the house. Breeda was coming to the end of her Saturday evening duties and was clearing the grate and setting the fire in the cosy den beloved by the family and much used when on their own in the house. Just as she was finishing up he had come into the room with a bottle of wine in his hand and invited her to join him. The girl was flattered and accepted, the implication being that nobody would expect her to refuse someone like Harry Butler. Not accustomed to alcohol she quickly became befuddled. She remembered more wine being opened and then Harry had taken advantage of her inebriated state and seduced her. A full description was given of what had transpired, with no thought to sparing anyone's blushes and especially not Breeda's.
Harry's solicitor sent back his answer. He made it quite clear that this would
not
be settled out of court and that, unless there was rock solid evidence for the accusations being made, the consequences for the accusers could be very serious. Amongst other details, evidence of very specific timing of the incident would be expected.
The timing aspect bothered Harry slightly. He wondered if he would be able to remember details of his movements for every day over the past year. When was the girl maintaining that this happened? She had left before Christmas, so obviously before that, but exactly when? If a long time previously, why had she waited until now to come forward with this ridiculous story? Since Bill's death, and he had retired from the social scene, he had been the only family member in the house on more than one occasion, so he really could have a problem. On the other hand there were usually other staff around until well into the evening, so it would be difficult to maintain that he had been absolutely alone in the house at any time. He would have been acutely concerned had he known that Tim knew exactly when. It was so carefully recorded in his diary.
Tim was taken aback and his sister more so. They had been certain of an out-of-court, very quiet settlement, without Breeda's name being dragged through the mud, although, given her age, she would have a degree of protection from publicity. Tim and her mother had banked on this, although they worried that certain elements of the press couldn't be depended upon to keep her identity a secret. They had been absolutely confident that the last thing the Butlers would want would be for the case to be made public. However, Tim was so sure of himself, so confident that his information was foolproof, that what he had recorded so meticulously was correct, he was determined he would go all the way through with it. Anyhow, if he didn't, now that the accusation had been made, he could be the one being sued.
As was expected, it took quite a while for the case to be put together on both sides. During this time neither side chattered about it, both aware of the dangers of doing this: either could destroy his case by broadcasting evidence and counter evidence. Milo, Noola and Harry decided that, until absolutely necessary, and a court case became inevitable, they would keep it between the three of them. They agreed there was no need to worry the rest of the family, none of whom need be involved in any way.
* * * * *
The weeks dragged by and although Harry always became completely absorbed in the considerable demands of his work, nevertheless, there were few times out of the office when he was able to get the nasty business out of his mind. He tried to fill every minute of these hours. He entertained Johnny, concentrating on developing his ability in water sports. He also started teaching him to ride. He rowed often with Milo and Sarah, who was coping admirably, determined that her leg should not handicap her in this favourite sport. He spent time with Izzy listening to her practising and rehearsing and sometimes accompanying her when she needed an escort for one of her musical events. He was surprised at her lack of interest in the many young men who had seemed attracted to her but whose approaches were rebuffed. This man she had met in America must be something very special to have held her interest from such a distance. With all this activity, at the end of each day he fell exhausted into his bed, far too tired to lie awake worrying, which was the object of the whole exercise.
He and Cathy had resumed their formal association with one another, neither referring again to the evening of the ball. He did his very best to ensure that he in no way embarrassed her, and never put a foot out of place, but his feelings for her didn't diminish.
He was looking so unhappy and stressed out that Noola and Milo took pity on him. Somewhat to his surprise, they suggested inviting Cathy to join the three of them in a game of Bridge. They covered up their subterfuge well. They made the suggestion one evening when they were sure there was no one else who could make up a four.
âWe'd love a game of Bridge, Harry, but it's only the three of us this evening. Is there anyone else you can think of who might join us?'
âNo, Dad. All the others have gone to the theatre so it's just us at home.'
âOh, what a shame! Is there anyone else you can think of who might like a game, Noola?'
âWell no one springs to mind. Oh . . . but wait a minute! I wonder if Cathy would be interested. What do you think, Harry? Does she play Bridge?'
Harry was stunned. She was never far from his thoughts and this was heaven sent. And
he
hadn't made the suggestion! Looking at his parents he wondered just exactly how much they suspected. He should be used to their powers of perception by now. As boys growing up he and Bill used to think they had second sight. But he was completely convinced that he had covered up his real feelings so well.
âI've no idea, Mum.'
âWell, I'll go and ask her. She could join us and pop up from time to time to make sure Johnny was all right.'
Cathy was surprised but, in truth, delighted. Friendly as the family and staff were, there were times when she felt a bit isolated. She was good at entertaining herself but she loved company and this invitation from Noola, in person, was great.
âI'd love to join you, but I haven't played for a long time and I'm a bit out of practice. I might spoil your game.'
âNot at all! We don't take it very seriously. It's just a bit of fun and entertainment. We don't spend ages after each game analysing it, I promise you.'
âIn that case, yes. I'd love to join you.'
Harry looked happier that evening than he had for a long time and his parents were glad they'd thought of the small deception. Cathy played a very respectable game partnering Milo, while Harry and Noola played together. Everyone enjoyed the evening and Cathy was invited to join them again on some future occasion, an offer which she accepted with real pleasure.
Not long after that Cathy asked if she could have some of her accumulated holiday time to go and join Sam for the month of July. At long last his company had moved to a less hostile area and she would be able to stay in a nearby hotel, close to him. They planned to make their engagement official. She offered to recommend a suitable temporary nanny, a friend of hers who was also a qualified children's nurse, to care for Johnny, but much as she suspected, Sarah asked to be allowed to take him under her wing. All fell into place nicely. Cathy felt comfortable at having made her request and left for Brazil at the end of June.
Harry was not all happy. Cathy going away was the last straw especially since his case was about to come to a head. On the other hand he was glad she wasn't going to be there to witness his possible complete humiliation. He felt absolutely miserable. He couldn't sleep and was eating almost nothing. He had lost so much weight over the months leading up to this he had started to look emaciated. In the end he was actually relieved when the court case began, just a few days after Cathy had left.